Crispy Cinnamon Palmiers (French Puff Pastry Cookies)
Indulge in the delightful layers of these Crispy Cinnamon Palmiers, an exquisite French treat that combines the rich, buttery flavors of puff pastry with a touch of sweetness. These cookies, also known as 'elephant ears' due to their shape, are perfect for special occasions and make a sophisticated addition to any dessert platter. With a hint of cinnamon sugar and a luxurious glaze option, these pastries are not just a feast for the eyes but also a tantalizing bite that melts in your mouth. Although they may seem complex at first, once you master the technique, you'll whip them up in no time, impressing your family and friends. Prepare to enjoy feedback like 'Did you really make these?' as they disappear faster than you can bake them!
50
Servings
70
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen puff pastry
8 ounces (Thawed)
Granulated sugar
2 cups (For sugaring)
Cinnamon sugar
to taste (Optional, for additional flavor)
Vanilla or chocolate glaze
as desired (Optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
1
Thaw the frozen puff pastry in the refrigerator until pliable but still chilled. If it becomes warm and sticky, place it back into the fridge briefly.
2
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or brown paper cut to fit.
3
Sprinkle sugar generously on a clean counter as if you were flouring a surface for rolling out dough.
4
Unwrap one sheet of puff pastry and place it on the sugared surface. Add a sprinkle of sugar on top of the pastry, using a rolling pin to loosely roll it to ensure the sugar adheres—do not overwork the dough.
5
Fold the two long edges of the pastry toward the center, pressing down gently to seal. Then fold the pastry in half, meeting the folded edges together, creating a U shape.
6
Slice the pastry crosswise into 3/8-inch thick pieces using a sharp knife. Carefully place the slices onto the prepared baking sheets.
7
Sprinkle a light layer of sugar on top of each sliced pastry and place the baking sheets in the preheated oven.
8
Bake for 6 to 7 minutes or until the bottoms are golden brown. Carefully flip each cookie and sprinkle sugar on the newly exposed side.
9
Return the cookies to the oven and bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until evenly golden and the centers feel firm.
10
Transfer the palmiers to wire racks to cool completely. Store in an airtight container once cooled. Optional: Drizzle with glaze or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before serving.
Nutrition Information
4.4g
Fat
8g
Carbs
0.8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Cinnamon Palmiers?
They are an exquisite French treat made from puff pastry, also known as "elephant ears" due to their unique shape.
How many cookies does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 50 servings.
What is the main ingredient in Palmiers?
The primary ingredient is 8 ounces of frozen puff pastry, thawed.
What oven temperature is needed?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How should I thaw the puff pastry?
Thaw it in the refrigerator until it is pliable but still chilled to prevent it from becoming sticky.
What should I do if the pastry dough becomes too warm?
If the dough becomes warm and sticky, place it back into the refrigerator briefly.
How should I prepare the baking sheets?
Line the baking sheets with parchment paper or brown paper cut to fit.
Why is sugar used on the counter instead of flour?
Sugar is used to coat the pastry, ensuring it adheres and caramelizes during baking.
Is it okay to overwork the dough?
No, you should use a rolling pin to loosely roll the pastry so the sugar adheres without overworking it.
How do you create the signature shape of a Palmier?
Fold the two long edges toward the center and then fold the pastry in half to create a U shape.
How thick should I slice the cookies?
The pastry should be sliced crosswise into 3/8-inch thick pieces.
How long is the initial baking time?
Bake for 6 to 7 minutes or until the bottoms are golden brown.
When do I flip the Palmiers?
Flip them after the first 6 to 7 minutes once the bottoms are golden brown.
How long do they bake on the second side?
Bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes after flipping.
How do I know when the Palmiers are finished baking?
They are done when they are evenly golden and the centers feel firm.
How should the cookies be cooled?
Transfer the palmiers to wire racks to cool completely to maintain crispiness.
How should I store the finished cookies?
Once cooled, store them in an airtight container.
What are some optional toppings for Palmiers?
You can drizzle them with vanilla or chocolate glaze or sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 70 calories.
What is the fat content of one cookie?
Each cookie contains 4.4g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each Palmier?
There are 8g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content?
Each cookie provides 0.8g of protein.
How much granulated sugar is required?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of granulated sugar for the sugaring process.
Is cinnamon sugar a mandatory ingredient?
No, cinnamon sugar is optional and can be added to taste for extra flavor.
Can I use a glaze for these cookies?
Yes, a vanilla or chocolate glaze can be used as desired for drizzling.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 4 main ingredients listed for this recipe.
Why are these cookies called elephant ears?
They are named elephant ears because of the specific folded shape they take after slicing and baking.
Are these cookies suitable for special occasions?
Yes, they are described as a sophisticated addition to any dessert platter.
What tool should be used to slice the pastry?
A sharp knife should be used to ensure clean 3/8-inch thick slices.
How difficult is it to make Palmiers?
While they may seem complex, they are easy to whip up once you master the folding and slicing technique.